tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87370847910268298092018-03-06T04:50:44.707-06:00Freakmom's SpaceThe opinions expressed in this blog are strictly those of Freakmom. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or ideas of any other human (or non-human), past or present, fictitious or real.
So don't get your undies in a bunch if you disagree. Freakmom probably won't care anyway.Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.comBlogger697125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-82367665853294794252014-02-06T14:58:00.002-06:002014-02-06T14:58:25.889-06:00Go CVS!Freakmom applauds CVS for their announcement to stop selling cigarettes.&nbsp; I think this move is long overdue, but I would never had expected to see it.&nbsp; We have "come a long way baby" in the anti-tobacco movement.<br /><br />Remember when cigarette ads were prevalent?&nbsp; Joe Camel and the Marlboro man.&nbsp; Those days are gone.&nbsp; Both are dead and buried from lung cancer and emphysema.<br /><br />How about smoking in offices?&nbsp; I once turned down a job because I would have had to share an unventilated basement office with 2 smokers.&nbsp; Well, there were other unappealing parts of the job as well, but I really didn't want to sit in that office all day with them puffing away.&nbsp; I wrote a position paper in college once about banning smoking in the workplace.&nbsp; While I got an A on the paper, the smoking teacher said "yeah, that will never happen."&nbsp; Her reason, smoking was as addictive as heroin.&nbsp; My response?&nbsp; I don't want my employees doing heroin in the office either.&nbsp; (Boy, am I a smart mouth or what?)<br /><br />Now there's no smoking in most public buildings (depending on what state you live in, your mileage may vary).&nbsp; Some places have no smoking anywhere on the grounds.<br /><br />Yes, CVS has made a giant step forward for public health.&nbsp; Every little step gets us closer to being a healthier society.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-629546046866631842014-02-02T09:14:00.000-06:002014-02-02T09:14:26.413-06:00Oh Willie, Say It Isn't SoYep, Woodstock Willie saw his shadow this morning.&nbsp; Six more weeks of winter.&nbsp; What are the odds that the first sunny day we have in weeks is on Groundhog Day!&nbsp; Guess we're in for more freezing, ice, snow (lather, rinse, repeat).&nbsp;<br /><br />I did hear that February is supposed to be worse than December or January were.<br /><br />Today is the Puppy Bowl, so we'll be watching.&nbsp; I think there's some other sports event going on, but I'm not sure.&nbsp; I don't care.&nbsp; The puppies are so darned cute!<br /><br />Speaking of puppies, we need kitty food.&nbsp; We're really, really low.&nbsp; I know Monday and Tuesday are going to be busy days for me, and Violet has art both nights, so unless Mr. I can go one of those days, I need to run to Walmart today.&nbsp; Joy.&nbsp;<br /><br />I do want to pick up some stuff for our Valentine's Day Juliette meeting.&nbsp; We're going to attempt to make chocolate pizza and peanut butter cups.&nbsp; I like these recipes because both are supposed to set up before you eat them.&nbsp; Which means they'll need to take them home first.&nbsp; Which means I don't have to hear "can we eat them now?"&nbsp; And have them all eat a ton of chocolate right before lunch.&nbsp; <br /><br />I looked at the sock bunny Violet made at the library, it is super simple!&nbsp; I found a bunch of polka dot socks online and ordered them with the dues money.&nbsp; We'll make them later in the month.&nbsp; I'll post a photo blog of how they are done when I do my sample.<br /><br />Mr. I and were just talking about 2 years ago.&nbsp; We had a blizzard, more than 2 feet of snow on Groundhog Day.&nbsp; They canceled Willie completely.&nbsp; It isn't an all bad gig to be the groundhog.&nbsp; Sometimes you do get to take a snow day.Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-41686949334280087882014-02-01T18:58:00.000-06:002014-02-01T18:58:00.619-06:00Groundhog EveMy long time readers will know, Groundhog Day is a big deal around here.&nbsp; The movie Groundhog Day was filmed in Woodstock, just down the road.&nbsp; (I like say we're from Woodstock, we just live a little outside the city limits - about 10 miles within the city limits of another town.)&nbsp; Mr. I's business is in Woodstock, on the Square - which played the part of Punxsutawney in the film.&nbsp; Today is Groundhog Eve and there's tons to do to prepare for Woodstock Willie's appearance tomorrow morning.&nbsp; (Who's the Phil guy people talk about?&nbsp; Willie is the true groundhog.)<br /><br />All weekend the movie is playing at the local theater for free.&nbsp; Where else can you go to see a movie that's more than 20 years old?&nbsp; Expect a crowd.&nbsp; There was a bowling event benefiting a group Mr. I is involved with.&nbsp; You could go on the walking tour of the sites - but I wouldn't recommend it.&nbsp; It snowed all day and is cold.&nbsp; You can do the same tour in the summer.<br /><br />Want to see more Woodstock?&nbsp; Check out the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_Day_%28film%29" target="_blank">Wikipedia link.</a>&nbsp; The store Sewing Concepts in one of the photos? That's where Violet learned to sew a couple of summers ago.<br /><br />Other movies have been filmed here (well, one or two at least, parts of them) but none have captured the hearts of the locals like Groundhog Day.&nbsp;<br /><br />So set your alarm clock, you don't want to miss it!<br /><br />Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-71288152050289877622014-01-28T19:07:00.003-06:002014-01-28T19:07:51.594-06:00SnowNo, we're not getting more of it (at least not right now).&nbsp; It is the mounds of it I'm complaining about.&nbsp; The temperature got up to zero this afternoon, and the roads weren't snow or ice covered, so I decided to run some needed errands (because who knows when this opportunity will present itself again).&nbsp; I had more trouble seeing around of 10 foot plus high mounds of snow in parking lots.&nbsp; One entrance I tried to pull into (to get to a Walgreens) was completely inaccessible due to the snow.&nbsp; I had already passed the other entry, not anticipating the second one wouldn't be plowed.&nbsp; Grr.&nbsp; Luckily there's a Walgreens approximately every 50 feet, so I went to a different one.&nbsp; (I think there's a whole blog post just in the number of Walgreens within a couple of miles of my house.)<br /><br />Have I mentioned I'm ready for spring?<br /><br />How about that I'm sick of Girl Scouts. Have I mentioned that?&nbsp; I'm finishing up my last volunteer job (because if I back out at this point I'd only hurt my fellow volunteers and the girls, the two groups I'd never want to leave high and dry).&nbsp; Finally we got the date for the cookie pickup:&nbsp; February 12th.&nbsp; Is it just me, or is barely 2 weeks notice to drop everything and get cookies loaded into your car a bit short notice?&nbsp; Previously we had a 5 day period we were supposed to just "hold" for pickup.&nbsp; What kind of craziness is that?&nbsp; It is perfectly fine if you are one of the "spoiled self absorbed yuppie pukes" (as Mental so accurately put it) and it is your job.&nbsp; But for the rest of us, it is unacceptable.&nbsp; I can't hold 5 days like this.&nbsp; They got a little bent out of shape when I asked if they could narrow it down for me.&nbsp; Guess that wasn't self absorbed enough for them!&nbsp; (Mental you are a wordsmith!&nbsp; I love you!)<br /><br />Mark your calendars, it will snow and ice on February 12th.<br /><br />Never...even...eating...another...Girl Scout cookie...ever...again.<br /><br />Speaking of which, I got a FitBit!&nbsp; (Trail of thought: no cookies, fewer calories, weight loss, fitness, FitBit).&nbsp; I am just figuring out how to use it.&nbsp; If you have one and would like to be FitBit buddies with me, let me know!&nbsp; I need all the support (and eyes watching my steps) I can get!<br /><br />p.s. Okay, it wasn't that I didn't anticipate that the second entrance into Walgreens wouldn't be plowed, it was actually that I forgot I needed to stop there until I was already past the first entrance.&nbsp; Sigh.Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-13592623072713897932014-01-27T16:55:00.001-06:002014-01-27T16:55:43.715-06:00Maybe we're getting used to itShortly after I posted yesterday, all the schools in the area started announcing that they would also be closed on Tuesday.&nbsp; But businesses don't seem to be reacting this time.&nbsp; Maybe because of the downtime this winter due to weather, both cold and snow, they are getting less sympathetic to it.<br /><br />My company sent out messages "work from home or in the down town office if it is more convenient", "work it out with your supervisor", etc. the first deep freeze.&nbsp; This time, nothing.&nbsp; Two women in my department did work from home today.&nbsp; Both have kids in schools which were closed.&nbsp; But that was it (besides those of us who normally work remotely).&nbsp; Not a single message about using your judgement.&nbsp; Hmm, the fact that "busy season" is well under way for most of the firm doesn't have anything to do with it, does it?<br /><br />Mr. I is on the board of directors for a not-for-profit in town.&nbsp; Their board meeting is scheduled for 7:00 am tomorrow.&nbsp; The wind chill is predicted to be minus 24 at that time.&nbsp; The organizer sent out a message, "should we postpone?"&nbsp; Mr. I replied back, that's a good idea.&nbsp; But others said no, they'd already planned their weeks.&nbsp; I said if those who wouldn't change aren't there, there should be consequences.&nbsp; Funny, he hasn't told me who they are.&nbsp; I think he's afraid of what my "consequences" might be.&nbsp; Smart man.<br /><br />No delivery delay notices this time.&nbsp; The garbage didn't pick up though.&nbsp; At least they weren't making the guys go out in the cold.&nbsp; Wonder about tomorrow though.&nbsp;<br /><br />So for once, it looks like the schools might have it right.&nbsp; Violet plans on sitting outside with a book and lemonade, her feet up, relaxing, watching the kids trudge home in June when they are making up their days.&nbsp; She'll be "bwahaha-ing" the whole time!Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-82175209547622603302014-01-26T18:29:00.000-06:002014-01-26T18:29:58.615-06:00More freezingThe wind has picked up and the temperature has dropped.&nbsp; The wind chill is currently 6, but is going down, way down below zero.&nbsp; All the schools, libraries and universities in the area have already announced they are closed tomorrow.&nbsp; So is the art studio and the swim club.&nbsp; At this rate the schools are going to use up all their snow days for the year.&nbsp; In recent years they've rarely closed at all.&nbsp; Definitely an unusual winter.<br /><br />Mr. I. went out and got us milk and a few other supplies.&nbsp; He said the north-south roads were in bad shape with blowing snow.&nbsp; The towels are still crammed in most of the windows to keep out drafts.&nbsp; Mr. I is probably going to work from home tomorrow so his car won't have to sit out in the cold and wind all day in the parking lot.<br /><br />I can't wait for spring.<br /><br /><br />Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-55385452389724596582014-01-25T13:36:00.005-06:002014-01-25T13:36:48.548-06:00Dumbing Us Down - The EncoreAfter reading through and thinking about Oliver DeMille's questions and listening to the debriefing recording, I find I have a few more things to write about <i>Dumbing Us Down</i>.&nbsp; Since you seemed to enjoy my other rambles about the book, I thought I'd put these here too as my encore.<br /><br />DeMille cited the following quote from Gatto:&nbsp; “School is a 12-year jail sentence where bad habits are the only curriculum truly learned. I teach school and win awards doing it. I should know.” and asked our thoughts.<br /><br />I think high school especially felt like a jail.&nbsp; I knew how to work the system and get good grades without learning anything.&nbsp; I could have (and in some cases did) learned more studying on my own than in the classroom.&nbsp; I counted down the days until I could get out and move on to college where I hoped to actually learn something.&nbsp; When I got my college acceptance letter in December, I just phoned it in through the end of the school year.<br /><br />I learned how to skim through things.&nbsp; How to memorize what would be on the test.&nbsp; How to parrot back what the teacher wanted to hear.&nbsp; All bad habits.<br /><br />I did not learn to think for myself.&nbsp; I did not learn to read and comprehend.&nbsp; I did not learn to study for the joy of studying, rather than to pass the test.&nbsp; I did not learn to pay attention in lectures.&nbsp; I had to learn those good habits later in life and am still struggling to learn them now.<br /><br />DeMille also asked about comments on this quote:&nbsp;&nbsp; “It is possible that compelling people to do something guarantees that they will do it poorly, with a bad will, or indifferently…”?<br /><br />I totally agree with Gatto on that one!&nbsp; Making someone do something, especially when they don't know the reason behind it or see any value in it, won't lead to good results.&nbsp; It will be done half-heartedly at best.&nbsp; We see this at work all the time.&nbsp; Assignments are done so poorly they have to be completely redone.&nbsp; What a waste of time.&nbsp; <br /><br />How many books were you required to read in high school that you didn't want to read?&nbsp; Did you remember anything from them?&nbsp; I sure don't, except that I hated them and maybe that the teacher was stupid!&nbsp; What a waste of time.<br /><br />During the debrief there was a discussion on how the American family has lost their intellectual life.&nbsp; People hardly ever think together.&nbsp; They live together, eat together, etc.&nbsp; We don't learn together or think together.&nbsp; Even in our homeschool environment, we don't do enough of this.&nbsp; Once in a while we have discussions with a book we're reading, but the three of us rarely read the same book: combinations of 2 of us do.&nbsp; The only thing the three of us tend to discuss in depth are various Food Network competition series (Next Iron Chef, Rachel versus Guy, etc.)&nbsp; Perhaps that should change. <br /><br />Another idea that stuck with me:&nbsp; You don't need to worry about what works or doesn't work for anyone else's family, only yours.&nbsp; Their education isn't your problem.<br /><br />Exactly!&nbsp; And I wish others who chose a different path for their children would also know that.&nbsp; I don't have to defend my decision to homeschool to anyone else.&nbsp; And I don't care that you choose to send your kids to public schools.&nbsp; It isn't my business.&nbsp; I have never liked being the poster child for homeschooling.&nbsp; I don't want to recruit anyone.&nbsp; I don't want to spend hours while someone agonizes over the decision or not.&nbsp; I suppose I should want to, but I don't.&nbsp; They need to decide for themselves.&nbsp; They need to answer for their decision, not me.&nbsp; <br /><br />And finally, DeMille threw out the question of what the "hidden curriculum" is in the subtitle of the book.&nbsp; I don't really agree with the panel in the recording.&nbsp; I think the hidden curriculum just refers to what actually goes on in schools.&nbsp; People don't want to believe it, or don't see it.&nbsp; They are so brainwashed to into believe that teachers know best, we don't know anything, and we can't possibly do it better.&nbsp; The hidden curriculum is the power that the schools have over those who don't think for themselves.<br /><br />Great book!&nbsp; Great mentoring series, check it out if you think you are interested:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.tjed.org/" target="_blank">mentoring the classics</a>.&nbsp; The introductory price is available through the end of January only.<br /><br />Next month:&nbsp; <i>Gifts from the Sea</i>, Anne Morrow Lindbergh.&nbsp; I plan to post my thoughts here on that one too.<br />&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-80164843024934353072014-01-24T16:57:00.000-06:002014-01-24T16:57:03.689-06:00BankingMore stress....gone!&nbsp; I haven't been happy with our bank for a while, (honestly, we're talking years here) but it is such a pain in the ass to switch banks.&nbsp; You've got to get all the direct debits and credits switched over, new signature cards signed, new checks ordered, wait for all the checks to clear, close out the old account, deal with the "please don't leave us we'll make it better" bull (if you had done it in the first place, I wouldn't have been unhappy here).<br /><br />Today I closed the old accounts, and deposited the remainder of the money in our new accounts.&nbsp; The process has taken almost exactly two months.&nbsp; The main delay was making sure the direct debits were debiting from the new account.&nbsp;<br /><br />I am so thrilled with our new bank.&nbsp; They are so nice.&nbsp; They have no minimum balances, no fees, they even give us free checks!&nbsp; They remember us.&nbsp; Mr. Incredible's business account is with them too.&nbsp; And it isn't like we're a big account, that was the problem with the old account: I couldn't feel secure that I could keep their required minimums at all times to avoid their fees.&nbsp; The old bank wouldn't even talk to Mr. I when he went in there about a business account with no money to flash around.&nbsp; He would have spent all the meager start up money we had on their fees!&nbsp; New bank gave him a totally free, no minimum balance business account with debit and credit cards both!&nbsp;<br /><br />I probably shouldn't let this sort of thing stress me out, but it does.&nbsp; And it took a lot of time.&nbsp; I did a happy dance when I got home today and it was all done!<br /><br />Now if only I had better health insurance options.&nbsp; That's still stressful.&nbsp; Maybe something will change with that.&nbsp; Until then, I'll look at my checkbook and think happy thoughts about banks and pretend insurance and the "Affordable" Care Act doesn't exist.Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-62232699550171407202014-01-23T19:09:00.001-06:002014-01-23T19:09:53.012-06:00Finishing EarlyToday Violet discovered that she could pretty much finish school for the week today (Thursday) and have Friday off.&nbsp; I've mentioned it to her in the past, but I think she's always been too far behind in her weekly schedule that it didn't seem possible.&nbsp; Today was department meetings day, which meant I was on the phone much of the day.&nbsp; When I finally got off from meeting number one, she showed me her work and was pretty much done for the day.&nbsp; I suggested if she wanted she could do Friday's, and by the time I was done with meeting number two, she was done.&nbsp; She has some free writing and literature to read tomorrow.&nbsp; Both easy and fun.&nbsp; I think we've finally got a good mix of the right amount of work on the list, and the right work. She's learning, enjoying it, and neither of us are stressing.<br /><br />Cookie order taking ended yesterday, so today I got the Juliette's orders.&nbsp; It is only Violet and a pair of sisters selling.&nbsp; I'll have to pick up just 16 cases of cookies.&nbsp; But because of the stupid "full case" rule, we'll have another 31 boxes of cookies to find homes for.&nbsp; I'll offer them up a few places, then see if I can get a troop to take them and sell them at a booth sale.&nbsp; Independently registered girls aren't allowed to do booth sales except if they join a troop.&nbsp; So finding a home for the extra cookies just becomes another step for the volunteer to have to do&nbsp; <br /><br />I had a dream last night that I was wrapping up cookie sales and Council presented me with like 20 other girls' order forms to include.&nbsp; It wasn't the first bad dream I've had about cookie sales over the years.&nbsp; It definitely means cookies stress me out way too much.&nbsp; I am not volunteering next year.&nbsp; I'm not even going to register as a Girl Scout.&nbsp; I'm so tired of Council's treatment of volunteers and their policies.&nbsp; I'm done.&nbsp; I'll register Violet.&nbsp; If she wants to sell again she can (this year she sold 12 boxes, enough for a patch - a friend is buying 5 boxes to be shipped to the soldiers, and we bought the rest for us).&nbsp; But I'm done.&nbsp; I have other things I want to spend my time on.&nbsp; And other things to spend $15 on besides registration fees for the privilege of being minion to Council staff.&nbsp;<br /><br />It feels liberating to be done. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-50734833497028955142014-01-20T20:06:00.000-06:002014-01-20T20:06:00.357-06:00Dumbing Us Down - Part 3 - The Last PartI just have a few more favorite quotes from Dumbing Us Down that I want to write about.&nbsp; Hope you haven't minded joining my journey through this book.&nbsp; And heck, if you have minded, why didn't you just click "next blog" and come back later?&nbsp;<br /><br />From: We Need Less School, Not More<br /><br />"Whatever an education is, it should make you a unique individual, not a conformist; it should furnish you with an original spirit with which to tackle big challenges; it should allow you to find value through life, it should make you spiritually rich, a person who loves whatever you are doing, wherever you are, whenever you are with; it should teach you what is important: how to live and how to die."<br /><br />Boy, does that slap institutionalized schooling in the face or what?&nbsp; Everything public schools aren't is right there.&nbsp; Mr. Gatto, I'm not sure I can add anything.&nbsp; <br /><br />From: The Congregational Principle<br /><br />I like Gatto's comparison of institutional schools to Procustes from Greek mythology.&nbsp; Procustes cut or stretched travelers to fit his guest bed (and if you are a Percy Jackson fan, he did it in a water bed store in LA).&nbsp; Schools take the individual out of the individual.&nbsp; One could argue that it isn't schools that do that, but rather it is the nature of kids.&nbsp; They use peer pressure and group think to make everyone fit in.&nbsp; But anyone who argues that, hasn't spent time with homeschoolers.&nbsp; I love spending time with homeschoolers, the kids revel in their uniqueness.&nbsp; Want to wear stripes and plaid together one day?&nbsp; No one will care, and many will say "what a cool choice!"&nbsp; Like polka music?&nbsp; That's neat!&nbsp; Want to speak out that you hate the popular band that everyone else is saying they love?&nbsp; That's okay, no one will stop liking you.&nbsp; No one is going to cut you to fit the bed they have available, let your feet hang off the end.<br /><br />"Monopoly schooling is the major cause of our loss of national and individual identity."<br /><br />See the previous comments.&nbsp; <br /><br />"Don't be panicked by scare tactics into surrendering your children to experts."<br /><br />This goes for everything in life, not just school.&nbsp; If you don't like what the "experts" tell you find other experts, or better yet, become an expert yourself.&nbsp; Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.&nbsp; Especially where your children are concerned.<br /><br /><br />Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-814278668938801382014-01-19T19:38:00.000-06:002014-01-19T19:38:00.032-06:00Dumbing Us Down - Part 2More thoughts from John Taylor Gatto's <i>Dumbing Us Down</i>.&nbsp; <br /><br />Tonight's quotes are from the essay, "Psychopathic School".<br /><br />"Children and old people are penned up and locked away from the business of the world to a degree without precedent: nobody talks to them anymore."<br /><br />I work in the nursing home industry and I do see a lot of dedicated professionals trying to change this for the old people in the equation.&nbsp; But unfortunately it is an uphill battle.&nbsp; There are too many people in institutions whose families never visit them, never join them for a meal in the dining room, never take them out for a drive and a stroll through the garden.&nbsp; Take a few minutes and visit if you can (even if it isn't your family member - stop what you are doing for 5 minutes).&nbsp; Doesn't matter if you can't understand what they say back, just hold their hand and listen.&nbsp; It will mean the world to them.<br /><br />(Note:&nbsp; Day in, day out caregiving for a loved one is a different conversation altogether.&nbsp; Please don't think I'm referring to those situations.&nbsp; Caring for a loved one with any ailment is mentally and emotionally and physically exhausting.&nbsp; You are the heroes of the world.&nbsp; The rest of us can take 5 minutes to make someone's day.)&nbsp; <br /><br />Same for kids.&nbsp; Stop, hold their hand and listen to them.&nbsp; Whatever is making them cry may seem silly to you, but them it is very important.&nbsp; Don't lock either age group away and ignore them.&nbsp; Better yet, bring them together!<br /><br />"We live in networks, not communities, and everyone I know is lonely because of that."<br /><br />How many Facebook friends do you have?&nbsp; If you know the number off the top of your head, I'd say you spend too much time on Facebook.&nbsp; While on the surface social media seems to draw us together, there is no denying it is actually isolating us.&nbsp; When was the last time you read someone's Facebook page?&nbsp; Now when was the last time you went out for coffee with that friend or spoke on the phone?<br /><br />We don't have true connections any more.&nbsp; C.S. Lewis wrote an essay called "Membership" in which he says, "<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and privacy, and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship."&nbsp; We need to give up the pretend networks and actually connect with people.</span> Turn off the devices and look around you for connections.<br /><br />"When children are given whole lives instead of age graded ones in cell blocks they learn to read, write, and do arithmetic with ease, if these things make sense in the kind of life that unfolds around them."<br /><br />Another reason I love homeschooling.&nbsp; There are no artificial timelines to worry about.&nbsp; Having problems with spelling/math/reading/writing?&nbsp; Just wait a while.&nbsp; Sometimes the brain needs to catch up.&nbsp; It always does.&nbsp; And it can't do it if you keep cramming more in it.<br /><br />"The children I teach are uneasy with genuine intimacy or candor."<br /><br />Now I know where my own problems comes from: institutionalized schooling.&nbsp; I'll save detail on that one for a more private forum.<br /><br />I still have a few more quotes, so it looks like you are in for a Part 3.Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-45426271414048663222014-01-18T19:34:00.001-06:002014-01-18T19:34:22.773-06:00Dumbing Us Down - Part 1I've signed up for the TJEd "Mentoring in the Classics" series, (details about which can be found <a href="http://www.tjed.org/mic/" target="_blank">here</a>).&nbsp; The January book is <i>Dumbing Us Down </i>by John Taylor Gatto.&nbsp; Since I don't use Facebook which is where the official discussion takes place, I thought I'd write my own notes here.&nbsp;<br /><br />The first essay in the book is Taylor's, "Seven-Lesson Schoolteacher" which was a speech he gave to a group of teachers as he accepted a Teacher of the Year award.&nbsp; I first read this essay about two years ago, but it reflects so many of the reasons we first decided to homeschool about ten years ago.&nbsp;<br /><br />"The first lesson I teach is confusion.&nbsp; Everything I teach is out of order."<br /><br />"I teach the unrelating of everything."<br /><br />I was attracted to the idea of homeschooling because you could combine subjects as much as you want.&nbsp; Learn about history by reading novels - awesome!&nbsp; Study biographies of scientists then try some experiments.&nbsp; Math in everyday life?&nbsp; You betcha!&nbsp; Everything relates to everything else, nothing is in a vacuum.&nbsp; Unless you are sitting in an elementary school classroom.<br /><br />"Nothing important is ever finished in my classroom nor in any class I know of."<br /><br />I was so turned off public school by the description I was given of full day kindergarten by one mom I knew at the time:&nbsp; "The kids are constantly changing subjects.&nbsp; They spend 15 or 20 minutes on one thing, then they are up and off to the next thing."&nbsp; She said it like it was the best thing ever.&nbsp; I kept thinking: "can you say ADHD?"&nbsp; And "But what if they aren't finished learning the first subject?"&nbsp; Neither matters of course.&nbsp; Just medicate the kids who can't sit still.&nbsp; And we aren't going to do anything important so why bother being done with it.<br /><br />"Curiosity has no important place in my work, only conformity."<br /><br />Don't be different.&nbsp; Don't ask questions.&nbsp; Don't ask to learn something that isn't planned.&nbsp;<br /><br />The next two quotes mean more to me from a business office stand point.&nbsp; I work in a large company of professionals, and I work a lot training and mentoring the new hires.&nbsp; You can see such striking differences between the kids straight out of college and those who are coming to our firm from somewhere else in the industry.&nbsp; The kids do what is asked of them, and do it well.&nbsp; They don't take initiative.&nbsp; They don't ask for more.&nbsp; If they are done they just sit there and wait.&nbsp; (There are some exceptions, in fact our current crop is fabulous!&nbsp; We've got some real go-getters who you just wonder where they came from and where we can get more of them!&nbsp; But most of them over the years, sadly haven't been like that.)&nbsp; I don't blame them.&nbsp; They are a product of the factory they came from: institutionalized schooling.&nbsp; They don't know any better.&nbsp; (I wonder if the few who do really stand out are influenced by family work ethic.&nbsp; That's got to be it.&nbsp; Work hard and get ahead.&nbsp; You learn that from your parent and grandparents, not in school.)<br /><br />"Good people wait for an expert to tell them what to do."<br /><br />"We've built a way of life that depends on people doing what they are told because they don't know how to tell themselves what to do."<br /><br />I think we are suffering in our society from too many cogs and not enough thinkers.&nbsp; We've "schooled" the thinking out of people.&nbsp; We can't do anything unless we're told do.&nbsp; After all, what if it is wrong?<br /><br />Gatto talks about "emotional dependency" in schools.&nbsp; Students crave praise from the teachers, who are always right and know everything.&nbsp; I see the same thing in the business world:&nbsp; The boss is right.&nbsp; The boss makes the rules.&nbsp; The boss has the final say.&nbsp;<br /><br />Now yes, the boss does have the final say and makes the rules.&nbsp; But there is a place (and I argue a need) for questioning the boss.&nbsp; In the right time, place and manner (let's not get ourselves fired here).&nbsp; But we don't have to stop and get the boss to answer everything.&nbsp; We can learn from one past answer or instruction and move ahead and think things through.&nbsp; Do we need to call the boss in?&nbsp; Or can we handle it?&nbsp; If we haven't learned to think, then no we can't handle it.&nbsp; Sad.&nbsp; And tiring if you are the boss.<br /><br />I have notes on some of the other essays too, but this is long enough for now.&nbsp; I'll make it a Part 1 and publish more tomorrow. <br /><br />Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-62895615567848909512014-01-15T16:36:00.000-06:002014-01-15T16:36:08.294-06:00Craft plansToday I got the front room, where the Girl Scouts meet, cleared out and vacuumed.&nbsp; Which allowed me to get out the bin of craft and other supplies I use with them.&nbsp; Which allowed me to get the samples of Friday's craft projects out and photographed.&nbsp; Which allows me to now post them.<br /><br />The first is a trip album made from a road map.&nbsp; I got the basic idea from Family Fun magazine.&nbsp; I added the cover to it.&nbsp; And I adjusted their pattern a bit so that the flaps open without unclasping the whole book.&nbsp; Basically you use a road map of a place you've been to make little pockets for souvenirs (like ticket stubs) to create a trip album.&nbsp; I've asked the girls to bring a road map.&nbsp; I have extras for anyone who forgets.&nbsp; I would have just gotten them for everyone (thank you AAA), but I thought it would be more meaningful if they could choose the state that they've been to.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8sERXrB2b8/UtcMAS58izI/AAAAAAAAAwo/V02lL5S9qzo/s1600/map+album.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8sERXrB2b8/UtcMAS58izI/AAAAAAAAAwo/V02lL5S9qzo/s1600/map+album.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvZ5CLIemH8/UtcMBJ0XVDI/AAAAAAAAAww/nIvf2pKoVNI/s1600/map+album+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvZ5CLIemH8/UtcMBJ0XVDI/AAAAAAAAAww/nIvf2pKoVNI/s1600/map+album+inside.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />The second craft is utilizing a bunch of craft foam that one of the girls gave me. She and her mom cleaned out their craft supplies and offered it all up for us to use.&nbsp; In my sample I made mine smaller than what I'm going to have them do.&nbsp; And I have some initial patterns (not initial as in starting, but initial as in first letter of their name), that if they choose they can use in it.&nbsp; We've got a lot of little craft foam shapes (some sticky, some not) that they can bling their initials with.&nbsp; Some of the girls really like to bling.&nbsp; My sample was just playing around with it.&nbsp; My initial isn't really X.&nbsp; The dots were testing out how Sharpie marker worked on the foam (very well).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCrzihpcTl8/UtcMsvRGiYI/AAAAAAAAAw4/TnWPZcxh94U/s1600/foam+plaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCrzihpcTl8/UtcMsvRGiYI/AAAAAAAAAw4/TnWPZcxh94U/s1600/foam+plaque.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />I thought I'd show them how to do both, have all the supplies out, and let them decide which they want to work on.&nbsp; Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-69549616598437230712014-01-14T15:53:00.002-06:002014-01-14T15:53:38.816-06:00Back in the swing of thingsGuess we're getting used to being back in school and activities and everything else.&nbsp; Using Khan Academy for algebra is working really well.&nbsp; We started as an experiment for the chapter Violet struggled with.&nbsp; But I think we'll finish up the subject with Khan.&nbsp; Although sometimes the problem sets can be a bit much.&nbsp; It doesn't think you've practiced enough until you get 5 right in a row.&nbsp; So if you get 4 right, then miss one, you have to start all over on your count.&nbsp; Annoying.&nbsp; My worries that she wouldn't get enough practice are definitely gone.<br /><br />Abigail Adams Academy classes are starting up again.&nbsp; I've done the reading for Classic Moms (Great Expectations) but I'm behind in the Abigail Adams Colloquium.&nbsp; I've also signed up for the TJEd Mentoring the Classic series that is just starting.&nbsp; I know I'm trying to do too many online study programs, but gosh I really enjoy them.&nbsp; I'll see if I can keep up for a little longer, then next year step back and do less.<br /><br />Girl Scouts starts back up Friday.&nbsp; We have two craft projects planned.&nbsp; Well, I should say, I have them planned.&nbsp; I am pretty sure this will be my last year of doing these meetings.&nbsp; It is a lot of work.&nbsp; Plus I have to clean my house (okay, I should be doing that anyway, but I don't) and put things away so we have space (ditto).&nbsp; There are 7 more meeting days scheduled including Friday.&nbsp; I'm thinking if I'm counting them down like that, maybe I really should stop. &nbsp; <br /><br />In other news, there really isn't other news.&nbsp; I guess that is good.&nbsp; It is no longer bitter cold.&nbsp; Although it did snow this morning.&nbsp; And it looks on the radar like we might be getting more.&nbsp; Spring can't get here fast enough.<br /><br /><br />Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-28712131467325731722014-01-07T20:23:00.001-06:002014-01-07T20:23:15.934-06:00Stressful dayViolet and I both had stressful days today, but they ended on good notes.&nbsp; And tomorrow should be better.<br /><br />I had a call with my boss and the head of HR.&nbsp; Cleared up the policy change that looked to be a major cut in my benefits.&nbsp; They way they plan to apply it to me won't change anything.&nbsp; Just how my timesheet is completed.&nbsp; Would have been nice to know that 2 weeks before I sat around angry about my cut.&nbsp; While they were on vacation. <br /><br />Violet got her braces tightened.&nbsp; And found out she'll be getting them off in 12 weeks!&nbsp; One more appointment for a final adjustment, then impressions for her retainer, then they come off!&nbsp; I couldn't make the final appointments today because they didn't have April in the system yet.&nbsp; But I can call back in a couple of weeks and get those last 2 appointments booked and we'll know the No More Braces day!&nbsp; Should be the first week in April.&nbsp; She's just glad it is before Easter.&nbsp; The Bunny better bring lots of jelly beans, she really missed those last year!<br /><br />Violet had her first art class of this session tonight.&nbsp; I'd been hoping maybe the art studio would close since all the schools were closed again due to the weather.&nbsp; But it was open.&nbsp; One girl she really likes was back in the class.&nbsp; And she liked the new kids who joined.&nbsp; The roads weren't too bad, just snow covered, so I didn't have problems getting her there.&nbsp; (I slid while trying to stop twice going to the orthodontist this morning.&nbsp; And it isn't like I'm a fast driver.&nbsp; I've been called "pokey" more than once.&nbsp; Roads were just really slick from the bitter cold and being snow covered.)&nbsp; Where the studio is located, I don't like going at night.&nbsp; The streets aren't well lit.&nbsp; It is residential so it isn't scary or anything, just not easy driving.&nbsp; And there's hardly any parking.&nbsp; I prefer going there in the daytime.&nbsp; But since we've passed the solstice, it will only get lighter each week.<br /><br />Tomorrow the temperature is supposed to be above zero all day!&nbsp; And no snow or freezing rain!&nbsp; Amazing how good 10 can look!&nbsp; We don't have to go anywhere.&nbsp; I have 2 short calls scheduled for work, but both will be good.&nbsp; Just planning calls for tasks I like to do.&nbsp; No one difficult on either call.&nbsp;<br /><br />Yes, tomorrow should be a much less stressful day.Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-52699434844297657382014-01-06T13:45:00.000-06:002014-01-06T13:45:19.725-06:00Minus TwentyThat was the air temperature when I got up this morning. At 1:30 in the afternoon it has warmed to a balmy minus fifteen.&nbsp; Wind chills between 40 and 50 below.&nbsp; We put towels in the window sills and in front of the doors to help keep out the cold.&nbsp; The thermometer on my alarm clock in our bedroom was reading 53 earlier.&nbsp; The room does have high ceilings and a big window.&nbsp; But still.&nbsp; Gosh that's cold.&nbsp; We've been keeping our thermostat at 68.&nbsp; I dread seeing the heating bill when it comes.<br /><br />The mail is still being delivered, but garbage pickup was suspended.&nbsp; Schools have already started announcing that they will be closed tomorrow too.&nbsp; Violet has an orthodontist appointment in the morning.&nbsp; As far as I know he won't be closing.&nbsp; And she has art class tomorrow evening.&nbsp; Although it is supposed to warm up to around zero tomorrow, I'm really hoping the art studio stays closed tomorrow like it is today.<br /><br />I got back on the treadmill today.&nbsp; I did 1.5 miles (instead of 3) with a high speed of 3.0 (instead of 3.7).&nbsp; Figured I shouldn't try to push it.&nbsp; Violet is walking now, but she hasn't been sick so she's doing her full workout.&nbsp; She is dreading school starting and so far hasn't done much today.&nbsp; I can't blame her.&nbsp; First day back after holiday break and other than a few homeschoolers no one studying today.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-52785589322596414712014-01-05T15:00:00.002-06:002014-01-05T15:00:38.949-06:00Oh BurrGood news:&nbsp; my bronchitis finally seems to be better today.&nbsp; I'm coughing a little, but haven't taken any cough syrup.&nbsp; We'll see at 8:00 tonight.&nbsp; That's when it usually kicks in.&nbsp; I'd like to work out, but a voice keeps telling me to wait another day or two.&nbsp; Really, it isn't going to kill me to take more time and wait until I'm healthy again.&nbsp; I am so glad I spent the money on a treadmill and not a gym membership.&nbsp; I would have completely lost out on the gym this past month.&nbsp; And Violet's still been able to work out, I wouldn't have driven her to a gym most days.<br /><br />The temperature is down to 6 so far.&nbsp; It is supposed to hit minus 13.&nbsp; Then add on wind chill.&nbsp; We're expecting it to be between 40 and 50 below with wind chill.&nbsp; It is cold in the house, the wind is already blowing and you can feel it come through.&nbsp; I can't imagine what it would be like to live in a less well built house, or worse no house.&nbsp; We've probably gotten 6-7 inches of snow in the last day.&nbsp; It has hard to tell.&nbsp; Partly because we already had snow on the ground, and because it was blowing around.&nbsp; <br /><br />We have the world's most wonderful neighbor.&nbsp; He has a snow blower and he loves to play with it!&nbsp; I know he did at least 5 neighbor's driveways today.&nbsp; Those are just the ones I saw.&nbsp; He was out working on ours by 8:00 this morning.&nbsp;<br /><br />Most schools have announced that they will be closed tomorrow.&nbsp; And the library.&nbsp; Violet and I voted and since we don't have to go out, school will start up tomorrow as planned.&nbsp; Mr. Incredible is going to work from home.&nbsp; My office sent out a message that we should work with our department heads to work from home or out of the downtown office or the regular office, as is most convenient.&nbsp; Since I work from home anyway, no changes there.<br /><br />Did you see that Minnesota closed all schools tomorrow?&nbsp; Go Minnesota.&nbsp; What a smart move.&nbsp; It is just too cold to send the kiddos out.&nbsp; And you know that some would have no choice but to stand and wait for the bus or walk to school.&nbsp;<br /><br />So business as usual here tomorrow, except we're not venturing outside unless we absolutely have to.&nbsp; May your blankets be warm and your slippers not have holes in them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-73762194978592280642014-01-01T16:53:00.002-06:002014-01-01T16:53:34.636-06:00150, bronchitis and snowMy weight goal was to be down to 150 by the end of the year.&nbsp; That's losing 16 pounds since June.&nbsp; Well, this morning I weighed 150.6.&nbsp; That counts in my book!&nbsp; I haven't been working out (see next topic) but I haven't had an appetite and have avoided almost all Christmas goodies and beverages with calories.&nbsp; I still want to get down to 145, then maybe 140.&nbsp;<br /><br />Just before Christmas I started having sinus pain.&nbsp; Felt like a knife was sticking in my sinuses.&nbsp; Then it became a cold.&nbsp; Now its bronchitis.&nbsp; I mainly cough at night.&nbsp; I've got some new night time cough medicine to try.&nbsp; The doctor?&nbsp; Nope, I'm not spending that much money to be told I have a cold and bronchitis and to rest and take cough syrup to try to sleep.&nbsp; I wish the Affordable Care Act would have made healthcare affordable.&nbsp; $75 for an office visit just isn't affordable in my book.&nbsp; My costs have gone up, my care options have gone down, I've gotten so stressed out by it all that I've gotten sick.&nbsp; That wasn't my idea of healthcare reform.&nbsp; Pass the herbal tea.<br /><br />Something's happened at work too.&nbsp; Not a good something.&nbsp; Not a horrible something.&nbsp; But it has added more stress.&nbsp; I can't talk about it online.&nbsp;<br /><br />We've gotten at least 7 inches of snow since yesterday.&nbsp; And it is still coming down.&nbsp; Once it stops the temperatures are supposed to drop. Goodbye balmy teens, hello below zero.&nbsp; This is panning out to be one rough winter!Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-33115390878980994252013-12-15T13:25:00.000-06:002013-12-15T13:25:05.059-06:00The tree is going upWe are getting our tree put up today.&nbsp; And Bubbles won't stay out of it.&nbsp; Even with a short season, it is going to be a long Christmas season chasing the cat out of it.&nbsp; I wouldn't object to not even having it up, but I am a known Scrooge.<br /><br />My shopping is mostly done.&nbsp; I don't buy for many people at all.&nbsp; Mr. Incredible did most of the shopping for Violet, he kept having ideas for her.&nbsp; <br /><br />We have some cookies to bake this week.&nbsp; Violet wants to take cookies to her art teacher next Saturday.&nbsp; She did it last year too, and she said he seemed really surprised and happy to get them.&nbsp;<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h34HXQJCi2I/Uq4B37OncmI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/mwxIjQIs6XU/s1600/Bubbles+in+tree+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h34HXQJCi2I/Uq4B37OncmI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/mwxIjQIs6XU/s320/Bubbles+in+tree+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />This photo is of Bubbles in the tree last year.&nbsp; I'm afraid it is what we'll be seeing again this year.Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-85833458059993382412013-12-14T18:47:00.001-06:002013-12-14T18:47:30.722-06:00Tough winterWe had our third snow of the season today.&nbsp; We got several inches.&nbsp; Not enough to cause Violet's art class to be canceled but enough to have to shovel and worry about what the roads would be like.&nbsp; We've had a cold spell, and tomorrow the temperature is supposed to only be in the teens again.&nbsp; This is shaping up to be one tough winter.<br /><br />I go back to work on Monday after 7 days off.&nbsp; It was so nice to be off!&nbsp; I wish I could be off permanently.&nbsp; But alas, that is not to be.&nbsp; At least I'll be working from home and not driving in.<br /><br />My muscles are starting to speak to me again.&nbsp; I did 3 miles today (at a quick walk, no more running for this old Freakmom).&nbsp; I was so tired at the end of it.&nbsp; I didn't sleep well last night, that may have something to do with it.&nbsp; I was hoping to be down to 150 by the end of the year, but I seem to be stuck at 153.&nbsp; I guess if I can stay there and not go up that will be good.&nbsp; There are so many goodies sitting out on the counter calling to me.&nbsp; It is hard to resist those once a year treats.<br /><br />If anyone has use Khan Academy's geometry course as a full high school geometry course, let me know what you think.&nbsp; We are considering it for next year.&nbsp; I'm wondering if there's enough practice in it to be a full course or not.Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-29957255363344504892013-12-12T08:56:00.002-06:002013-12-12T08:56:23.835-06:00So soreI got the bright idea to run on the treadmill on Tuesday, instead of walking.&nbsp; I only did about a mile at a run, my other 2 miles were a fast walk.&nbsp; I am still so sore today.&nbsp; Yesterday I did a medium walk thinking that would help.&nbsp; If it did I hate to think how much worse I'd feel today.&nbsp; I kept waking up during the night with my muscles hurting.<br /><br />I'm going to walk again today, no more running. Guess I'm too old for that.&nbsp;<br /><br />Tonight I'm leading an online book discussion on "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by ETA Hoffman.&nbsp; I've never lead a discussion before.&nbsp; I hope it goes well.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-3835714101923329022013-12-11T11:04:00.003-06:002013-12-11T11:04:48.837-06:00I've finally admitted itI do too much.&nbsp; I'm overworked.&nbsp; I'm exhausted.&nbsp; I'm stressed out.&nbsp;<br /><br />There I said it.&nbsp; I'm no longer pretending that everything is under control.&nbsp; I work too much.&nbsp; Homeschooling does take time.&nbsp; Volunteering eats into the day.&nbsp; I didn't have enough time for me.&nbsp; I've been trying to change all that.<br /><br />I've been spending less time on the computer.&nbsp; I've been reading more.&nbsp; I've been working out more, and listening to books while walking on the treadmill.&nbsp; (Oh yeah, I bought a treadmill last summer.&nbsp; I got tired of being chased by dogs and almost run over by cars.)&nbsp; I've lost 14 pounds.&nbsp; I'd like to get down another 7 or so.&nbsp; That will get me to my "pre-baby" weight.&nbsp; You know, it takes 9 months to put on the weight, 14 years to take it off.&nbsp; Sounds about right.&nbsp; <br /><br />I've cut our Girl Scout meetings back to an hour instead of an hour and a half.&nbsp; It is amazing how much that has helped.&nbsp; One third less of the time to try to come up with activities for the girls.&nbsp; They don't mind.&nbsp; In fact, one of the moms is really happy about it.&nbsp; They babysit a 2 year old.&nbsp; One hour is about her attention span hanging out at our house.&nbsp; Win-win.<br /><br />I've set office hours at work.&nbsp; Most days when my hours are up, I can turn off my computer and walk away.&nbsp; Not every day.&nbsp; I am still a manager and a professional and sometimes things do need to get done.&nbsp; But enough days to notice a difference.&nbsp; Will this attitude and schedule get me promoted?&nbsp; Nope.&nbsp; Doesn't matter.&nbsp; And I did it with my partners' blessing (and on their advice).&nbsp; A few people don't like it.&nbsp; They can suck it.<br /><br />Sadly, my new schedule has cut out a lot of my blogging.&nbsp; But I'm still here.&nbsp; Hanging in.&nbsp; But I do pop in and read your blogs when I can.&nbsp; And I think of you all.&nbsp; You can find me at Abigail Adams Academy, I'm working on improving my education by reading as much as I can.&nbsp; And I'm on Goodreads.&nbsp; I'll try not to be such a stranger.&nbsp; But, I'll still be strange!<br /><br />Freak Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-6915809654388358212013-05-05T21:20:00.000-05:002013-05-05T21:20:17.710-05:00Walked Three Chapters TodayToday was a good day off.&nbsp; If you read yesterday's post (and I'm sorry for my whining if you did), you could probably tell I really needed a day off.&nbsp; Or two, or three.&nbsp; But I'll have to settle for one right now.<br /><br />I went for a walk this morning and started listening to my audiobook (<i>Dawn O'Hara, The Girl Who Laughed</i> by Edna Ferber).&nbsp; I walked 3 chapters.&nbsp; I am going to really like listening to books while walking, I can tell.&nbsp; If you have any favorite audiobooks available on <a href="http://librivox.org/" target="_blank">LibriVox</a>, let me know.&nbsp; When I got back, Violet and I went out to Walmart.&nbsp; I bought new running shoes.&nbsp; I didn't have good shoes for walking, and I'm really considering running too, so I needed decent shoes.&nbsp; And I bought some athletic socks.&nbsp; Oh, and I started stretching for 10 minutes in the morning and evening.&nbsp; Gee, I may just break out in health!<br /><br />Our main reason to go to Walmart was to look for summer clothes for Violet, especially shorts.&nbsp; She tried on a total of 7 pairs (plus a shirt) and bought 3 pairs of shorts.&nbsp; She prefers them to be longer and actually cover her butt cheeks.&nbsp; Those are hard to find for young girls.&nbsp; But we did find some nice ones that she'll be comfortable in.<br /><br />She also looked at the bedding and picked out a new comforter and sheet set and used a gift card she'd gotten for Christmas from her Grandparents on them.&nbsp; They are cute, bright colors, geometric designs.&nbsp; Very Violet.&nbsp; I don't know if I mentioned, but we got her a loft bed this winter.&nbsp; Very teen.&nbsp; And it was time to update her sheets and comforter.&nbsp; I mean, Hello Kitty is cool and all, but the same Hello Kitty you've had off and on since you were 4, not so much.&nbsp; She's going to donate that set (her idea).<br /><br />I've been trying to expand my cooking horizons and made <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/salmon-soy-marmalade-glaze-50400000126820/" target="_blank">salmon with a marmalade and soy glaze</a>, couscous, roasted brussels sprouts and <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/cider-glazed-carrots-50400000122473/" target="_blank">glazed carrots</a> for dinner.&nbsp; All pretty good.&nbsp; I tried a new glazed carrots recipe and didn't really care for it.&nbsp; I loved the salmon though.&nbsp; The recipe called for orange marmalade but we had a three fruit marmalade so I used that instead.&nbsp; Very tasty.&nbsp; Interesting, as I look at the links for the recipes (I used my Cooking Light magazine hardcopy when I made them) the salmon got 5 stars, the carrots 1 star.&nbsp; I'd agree.&nbsp;<br /><br />Back to work tomorrow.&nbsp; But at least I'll be working from home.&nbsp; Easier to hide there when needed.Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-13005830267479851202013-05-04T21:13:00.001-05:002013-05-04T21:13:19.493-05:00PressureI hate pressure.&nbsp; I hate stress.&nbsp; I long for days when I have nothing to worry about.&nbsp; I'm sure that will never happen.&nbsp; I've had a horrible stabbing pain in my neck and shoulder for 3 weeks now.&nbsp; I'm sure it is job stress related.&nbsp; <br /><br />One thing I dislike about my job is the last minute, high pressure, intensity of it.&nbsp; You'd think I was a trauma surgeon or on the bomb squad.&nbsp; But no, I'm an accountant.&nbsp; When I went off to become an accountant I never dreamed there would be stress and high pressure involved.&nbsp; It is just crunching numbers right?&nbsp; Sit in your little cubicle and make sure the columns and rows all add up, then go home.&nbsp; Nice and neat and tidy.<br /><br />I was wrong.&nbsp; People yell.&nbsp; They get intense.&nbsp; They put off stuff and it becomes your problem.&nbsp; They yell more.&nbsp; They make promises that can't be kept then make you keep them.&nbsp; Even though I don't actually crunch numbers anymore, the pressure is there all the time.&nbsp; Different pressure, but there.<br /><br />I don't recommend a career in accounting to anyone.&nbsp; I got my degree following the advice that I could work anywhere with it and always have a job.&nbsp; Probably true.&nbsp; But no one said anything about the yelling.&nbsp; Or the pressure and stress.&nbsp;<br /><br />I've figured it out, I wish to work at the mini-golf place.&nbsp; Handout the putters and score cards.&nbsp; Sell bottles of water.&nbsp; Sweep the greens.&nbsp; Hose off the castle.&nbsp; Occasionally repaint the windmill.<br /><br />But no.&nbsp; I went the safe and easy route. &nbsp; Please tell them it isn't my fault we don't have enough people to get all the promised work done.&nbsp; I said we needed help.&nbsp; They insisted we were properly staffed.&nbsp; They are going to work me until I have a stroke.<br /><br />If you need me, I'll be pulling golf balls out of the alligator's mouth and washing bird poop off the giant gorilla.&nbsp; Or at least dreaming of it.<br /><br /><br />Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8737084791026829809.post-90361369495226042132013-05-02T21:06:00.002-05:002013-05-02T21:06:15.939-05:00Rain AgainThe rain is back tonight.&nbsp; I've been periodically checking the skylights to make sure they aren't leaking.&nbsp; They did once several years ago and we had to have a guy out to caulk them.&nbsp; It was a temporary solution and one of these days we'll need to do it again.&nbsp; But so far, today's not the day.&nbsp; <br /><br />I've started walking again, now the weather's warmer.&nbsp; I prefer to walk in the morning, after people have left for work and school.&nbsp; It is so much quieter out then.&nbsp; Sometimes have to walk after dinner.&nbsp; I don't care for that at all.&nbsp; I did download an audio book for my phone, I'm going to give it a try to listen to it while walking.&nbsp; I've chosen <i>Dawn O'Hara</i> by Edna Ferber.&nbsp; <br /><br />My eye appointment went very well.&nbsp; For someone who can never seen anything, I have very healthy eyes.&nbsp; My prescription didn't change and she recommended continuing with the contacts and readers as needed.&nbsp; Works for me, they are going to order the contact for me and have them shipped to my house.&nbsp;<br /><br />This afternoon Violet and I seemed to get a cooking bug.&nbsp; We made grilled chicken (indoors in a pan), grilled asparagus, sweet potato fries and couscous.&nbsp; I had sweet potatoes and asparagus that weren't getting any younger.&nbsp; We decided a sauce was needed, so we looked up recipes and found one for a Dijon mustard vinaigrette that Violet thought sounded good.&nbsp; But we didn't have an Dijon mustard.&nbsp; So we found a recipe for that too.&nbsp; Violet made the Dijon, then the vinaigrette with that.&nbsp; Tasty.&nbsp; Really tied the chicken, couscous and asparagus together.&nbsp;<br /><br />Tomorrow is digital movie maker day.&nbsp; I hope to drop Violet off with Mr. Incredible at his office, then if he doesn't have much going on after they are done, she'll hang out there and ride home with him.&nbsp; I'll go have a wild and crazy time and hit the library to get some holds, Walgreens and 2 grocery stores before coming home to put it all away and work.&nbsp; But, if client issues come up and he needs to make stops after he leaves the office or will be a long time, I'll just get the groceries and go back for her before coming home.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Freakmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983797840271997027noreply@blogger.com0